In the later archaic period the coins come in as an important source of evidence.[[2104]] None of the inscribed ones appear to be earlier than the sixth century, the oldest being perhaps the electrum stater usually attributed to Halikarnassos, with the name of Phanes(?). The only characteristic letter (the alphabet belonging to the Ionic group) is the sign
in place of Η to denote eta, which has not been found on any vase with the Ionic alphabet, and therefore betokens a very early date. Next comes an Attic stater of about 560 B.C., with the legend
, which may be fitly compared with the oldest Panathenaic amphora,[[2105]] on which the dotted
is also found. The earliest coins of Haliartos in Boeotia have the curious form 15
curious asper for the spiritus asper or Η, dating apparently before 550 B.C.; the succession can thence be traced through 14
